Mamata Banerjee Counters Modi's Protocol Breach Allegation with Undated Photo
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday produced an undated photograph showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi seated while President Droupadi Murmu was standing at an event. She presented this as evidence to contest the Prime Minister's accusation that the Trinamool Congress government had "gravely insulted" the presidential chair through a protocol breach at a Siliguri conference the previous day.
"Proof of Who Actually Shows Respect"
From her protest dais, Mamata Banerjee pointedly questioned, "Why were you sitting when she was standing?" She emphasized that her administration honors every individual holding constitutional positions. The Chief Minister alleged that Prime Minister Modi consistently attacks and disrespects Bengal before every election cycle, suggesting the state is being deliberately targeted ahead of upcoming assembly polls.
State Government's Position on Siliguri Conference
Mamata Banerjee insisted that the state government had formally communicated with the organizers of the International Santal Conference on March 4, clearly stating its inability to participate in the event. "But the Centre ignored it. If anything went wrong at the event, Centre should be held responsible," she declared unequivocally.
The Chief Minister maintained that the Siliguri conference was a private program that the state government had never been requested to support. She further clarified that the event venue fell under the jurisdiction of the Airport Authority of India, not state authorities.
Opposition Unity Behind TMC
The controversy appears to have fostered opposition unity behind the Trinamool Congress. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate weighed in, asserting that the President's office must not be utilized to "advance BJP's political agenda." This development suggests broader political ramifications beyond the immediate protocol dispute.
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the central government and West Bengal administration, with constitutional protocol becoming the latest battleground in their political rivalry. Both sides have now presented visual evidence to support their respective claims about who shows proper respect to constitutional positions.
